The populist ex-Prime Minister Babis has not been able to assert himself by stoking fears of war in the Czech Republic. The new president will be ex-NATO General Pavel, who is considered pro-Western.
Former NATO general Petr Pavel becomes the new president of the Czech Republic. The 61-year-old – a career changer in politics – surprisingly clearly beat the populist ex-Prime Minister Andrej Babis in the decisive runoff. After counting all constituencies, Pavel received 58.3 percent of the votes, according to the CSU statistics authority in Prague. The billionaire Babis accounted for almost 41.7 percent. The liberal-conservative head of government, Petr Fiala, congratulated Pavel on his victory.
The ex-military – in the Czech Republic formerly also Chief of Staff – follows the current President Milos Zeman (78), who often polarized with controversial statements. The head of state has mainly representative tasks in the EU and NATO member states, but also appoints the government and is the supreme commander of the armed forces. The turnout was relatively high at around 70 percent of the votes.
Babis conceded defeat
To the cheers of his supporters, Pavel said in Prague: “In this election, values won – values like truth, dignity, respect and humility.” The loser Babis admitted his defeat and stressed that he would continue to be there for the citizens as the leader of the opposition. “Nothing comes to an end,” said the native Slovakian.
From 2015 to 2018, Pavel became the first general from an eastern member state to chair the NATO military committee. During the election campaign, he promised to return “peace and order” to the Czech Republic. The Russian war against Ukraine became the dominant theme. Pavel campaigned for further support from Kiev. “Russia must lose in Ukraine – also with our help,” he emphasized.
Babis tried to portray the former paratrooper as a warmonger. He called for talks with Moscow and announced that he would not send soldiers to help Poland in the event of an attack. The current loser in the election caused irritation at home and abroad.
change of style expected
Observers now expect not only a generation change, but also a change in style at Prague Castle, the seat of the President. Zeman often polarized with controversial statements about migrants, Muslims and the media. “My motto is: cooperation, decency and normal communication,” announced Pavel. “I think that’s what we’ve been missing a lot in recent years.”
In the pre-election TV debates, Pavel appeared sober. As early as 1993, as a blue helmet soldier in the Yugoslav war, he proved that he doesn’t lose his cool in tricky situations. At the time, he led a volunteer commando that freed more than 50 trapped UN soldiers. The French had come under fire between enemy lines. Pavel later reported: “We kept a cool head and didn’t allow ourselves to be provoked.”
Congratulations to the winner
The head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, congratulated Pavel on the victory and stressed that his experience would be valuable in further supporting Ukraine. Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier also congratulated and, according to his spokeswoman on Twitter, emphasized: “As neighbors, partners and friends, we are working together for peace and security in Europe.”
Source: Stern
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
